Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra play a bit of Pomp & Circumstance backstage at the Schools Prom

12 November 2014, 21:21

These talented Leicestershire youngsters gave Classic FM listeners a blast of Pomp & Circumstance before their big finale performance at the Schools Prom.

The orchestra is part of an extensive range of music groups provided by Leicestershire Schools Music Service which aims to maximise young people’s potential at the highest level, for both the community and local schools.

It has a long and proud tradition of music-making both in the UK and abroad, with acclaimed recordings and a busy concert season.

Sir Arthur Bliss wrote the Checkmate Suite for a ballet of the same name for Sadler's Wells - and the Leicestershire orchestra is tackling it tonight. Conductor Peter Dunkley told Classic FM's Tim Lihoreau why he likes the piece: "It's a fantastic piece of music," he says. "It is one of the most marvellous ballets written in the 20th Century.

"It tells the story of a game of chess and at the end of the game the black queen gives the king the chop. The drama is all there and we're going to give that to the audience tonight."

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